The Springfield Armor on Sunday acquired Kris Joseph, the former Syracuse star and Celtic bench-warmer, from the Maine Red Claws, giving up James Mays, the D-League's leader in double-doubles. Although the Nets do not hold Joseph's rights, he will be learning the Nets system in Springfield, making him a potential call-up later in the year. Tim Bontemps of the Post broke the story.

Joseph, a 6'7: small forward, was averaging 18.2 points on 43.7 percent shooting and 5.7 rebounds for the Red Claws, the Celtics' D-League team. Joseph, 24, was taken by the Celtics at #51 in the second round last June, three spots before Toko Shengelia. He was released by Boston last month after appearing in six games where he scored seven points and grabbed five rebounds in 24 minutes.

“We are excited to have Kris Joseph join our team,” said Brooklyn Nets General Manager of Minor League Operations Milton Lee. “Kris is a player we have watched at Syracuse and with the Celtics and we think his athleticism and scoring ability should be a big boost for us."

sounds like a completely dumb move. Joseph is a baller and if he had a coach that took time to use him he coulda helped us a bit.

The problem with Joseph is that he has no idea how to play NBA defense. He is yet another casualty of Syracuse' system that plays to win college games, but doesn't prepare players for life after the zone.

I wouldn't be surprised if Joseph resurfaces in Boston sooner or later, because I think the C's like him...but he (much like Melo) has a lot of learning to do.

As for this trade, this is a D-league trade. I doubt it has much to do with the C's. Joseph was no longer the property of the C's.

The aforementioned rule is unofficially named after then Boston Celtic-Atlanta Hawk-Boston Celtic Gary Payton when he was moved a few years ago (2005) by Boston in order to re-acquire Employee #8 Antoine Walker (whom they chose not to resign anyway at the end of the season). The newly acquire point guard was immediately released by the Hawks and the next thing you know, three days later, Payton is back in Bean Town.